How to Determine the Best Course of Action at Work

Ever find yourself in a situation at work where you lack clarity about the best next step? You might be facing a problem you don’t know how to solve. Or maybe you’re trying to achieve a goal that’s bigger and more difficult than you feel prepared to handle. It could be that you have options, and you’re not sure which one is the best one. Or maybe you already proceeded full-speed ahead, sure that you knew exactly what you needed to do, and it failed – now you’re second-guessing yourself.

Any of these situations can be unnerving at best, paralyzing at worst. Is there a strategy that can help you have confidence that you’re making the right decision, and support your efforts to go in the best direction?

The answer is simple, but not necessarily easy. Ask God.

It’s simple, because it takes a lot of pressure off knowing you can turn to God with every – yes EVERY – detail of your work (and life) for guidance.

It’s not easy, because so many of us are driven by the belief that we have to figure it out ourselves. The other reason this approach can be a bit challenging is because many don’t know how to hear from God. We can have preconceived ideas about what it should look – or sound – like and those ideas can actually get in the way of recognizing God’s voice.

At FUSE Forum,Doug Sherman challenged us to have not only a personal relationship with God – one in which we are seeking His guidance and direction throughout the day – but also to check our image of God. If our image is too small or we think God isn’t interested in our work, we won’t even think to seek His direction.

In fact, God wants us to seek His direction in all things. When we do, He is able to do much more than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

The more you ask, the better you’ll get at discerning the various ways in which He speaks to you – and He’s doing it all the time. And the more your confidence in Christ will grow. Here are a few suggestions:

The next time you’re looking for an answer to even the simplest problem – ask God.

The next time you’re planning next steps to achieve a business objective – ask God.

The next time you’re trying to remember where you put your phone, your keys or that project folder – ask God.

The next time you’re writing an email that needs just the right words – ask God.

The next time you’re wondering how you can move more aggressively toward your goal – ask God.

The next time you’re trying to figure out how to resolve a conflict with a co-worker – ask God.

Keep asking, then notice the answers that come to you and the various ways in which they come – through people, circumstances, inspired thought, prayer or Scripture. And thank Him. Because every good answer comes from the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent as our Counselor and Executive Coach for work.

We’d love to hear from you. When did God provide you with direction that helped you achieve success at work?

Catherine Gates is Senior Director of Content & Partnerships for Workmatters. She oversees the development, distribution and support of Workmatters content to equip marketplace leaders to live out their faith at work. She also builds partnerships with clients and other marketplace ministries. Catherine has a broad range of experience in technology, sales, training, public speaking and curriculum development. She’s passionate about her faith and helping people tap into more of God’s best for their lives while bringing God glory.